X-posted: Herpes and Giving Birth

[Teenytoona]

I cross-posted this in "I'm Pregnant" but it occurs to be that this might be a better place for it...

I've had herpes for a while now... Haven't had an outbreak in years. My CNM says that I will *have* to start on an antiviral in the ~36th week. Now, I've done some research, and found that a routine of nice garlic pills will do just the same effect of suppression as the antivirals without the costs and side effects. I don't want to go on the antiviral, but really I'd like to hear from others who've been there who may not have taken the antiviral, but an alternate form, and how they fared. I'm thinking that since I've not had an outbreak in so long (and from the research I've done, once the outbreaks get to be few and far between, they are less likely to occur during childbirth) I should be in the safer zone, so I'm thinking garlic would certainly work... But I want to see if anyone else has any experience before I settle with that.

thanks everyone

[pamamidwife]

I'm not sure about garlic, but I would assume it would help, along with probiotics and some lysine.

I've only known women who took probiotics or took antivirals. NOne of those women had an outbreak prior to or in labor.

Good luck - hopefully others can give you more info.

[ishereal]

bump

*bump*

I am also trying to get some info about what is safe to take while you are pregnant, I have some lysine but don't know if it is safe to take while pregnant

[rajahkat]

I've had three pregnancies and births (currently pg with #4) and I've never taken an antiviral. I've had herpes for 10 years or so now, and my outbreaks are super few and far between. I'd have serious beef with a midwife telling me I *have* to take an antiviral. It's such a slight chance that I'd have an outbreak anyway and I don't like messing around with my body when it's working just fine for me.

You know what your history is like. Do you know how often your outbreaks tend to be and what brings them on? I usually have a mild outbreak during pregnancy, and if I do then I feel pretty confident that I don't have to worry about having one at term since my outbreaks don't occur within months of each other and acutally tend to occur AFTER I give birth. I don't usually have sores during my outbreaks anymore. Just nerve pain.

Anyway, my suggestion is always, go with your gut. If you have researched it and you feel confident with your decision, good for you! If your midwife gives you trouble, just present her with the information that helped you come to your decision. Good luck, And enjoy your pregnancy!

Kat

[Maggi315]

I've heard that about garlic too, but haven't ever had anyone use it during the end of the pregnancy personally. another midwife told me there is a special tape available in case there is an outbreak, so you can still deliver vaginally, anyone else know more about the tape? Sounds like a nice solution if there is an outbreak.